Juniors

ERC Juniors (U16) Including Go-Ride

The ERC Juniors is dedicated to teaching skills, having fun and getting fit in a safe, traffic free environment. We introduce girls and boys to a wide range of cycle-sports, including mountain biking, cyclo-cross, circuit racing and track racing.

We are a group of volunteers and coaches who work together with youth cyclists to increase their skills, fitness and knowledge of cycle sport to make them better bike riders.

What you want to do with these skills is up to you. Whether you want to nail a wheelie or compete for your country at amazing events like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics, we’re here to support you in any way we can.

ERC Juniors take part in races across Scotland with our more serious rider competing as part of the ERC Goodson Race Team. ERC organise junior cyclo-cross events at Inch Park, and youth criteriums at the East Fortune motor racing circuit and the Royal Highland Show Ground, Ingliston.

ERC Junior members have collected multiple national medals, including winning the British Under 16 boys Circuit Race Championships in 2013,2014 & 2016, and the U16 boys Mountainbike Championships in 2016. Some of our club members have even gone on to join the British Olympic Development Academy Programme.

But . . . .

You don’t have to be a super star to join us, simply enjoy riding your bike!

U16 Go-Ride Sessions

These are aimed at young riders who want to improve their skills and have fun. It is also the best starting point for those wishing to race. Many of our Go-Riders take part in racing (cyclo-cross, road, track and mtb) and all our national champions began on grass in Inch Park. Regular sessions are held in the south of Edinburgh for 8-16 year olds (The Inch Park and Liberton High School) and in the north of Edinburgh for 7-9 year olds (Drumbrae Sports Centre). Session last for one and a half hours.

Please check the What’s On page for times and details of the current Go-ride Juniors sessions.

The Inch Park sessions are held off Glenallen Drive in south Edinburgh’s Inch Park. This backs onto the Cameron Toll shopping centre. Toilets are located in Inch House in the centre of the Park. Meet here for the sessions.

The North Edinburgh sessions are held at Drumbrae Leisure Centre is off Drum Brae North in Corstorphine (30 Drum Brae Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 7SF). Meet here for the sessions.

New Members

There is no waiting list for the North Edinburgh sessions.

There is currently a waiting list for new Go-Ride members in the south Edinburgh, Inchpark sessions.

ERC membership remains open for cycling, triathlon and other member benefits.

Attendees at Go-Ride members take a introductory session in which they may be graded to determine their bike handling skills and level of fitness. If they then wish to join us they must become an ERC member and will be assigned to an appropriate group for subsequent sessions.

The introductory session is free, then subs for a block of around 6-8 weeks are about £4 per week. New members sessions are usually held to coincide with the next block of sessions.

ERC Junior Race Team (U18)

For 17 and 18 year olds the ERC Junior Race Team competes in local, national and international races, including the Junior Tour of Wales, Junior Tour of Ireland and racing in Belgium and the Netherlands, The club has a year round programme of training, helping riders prepare for racing at the highest level.

We welcome all applications from boys or girls who would like to work hard and experience racing at the highest levels. Please contact Jarlath Flynn jarlathflynn@hotmail.com for more information about the Junior Race Team.

Track Sessions

Meadowbank Velodrome has been closed. It provided a venue for young riders to try a local steeply banked track. There have been plans to replace this facility with a 30 degree banked tarmac track at Hunter’s Hall.

The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the east end of Glasgow gives members access to the boards all year. Bikes, helmets and shoes are available to rent at the venue. Glasgow Life, ERC and Scottish Cycling organise introductory sessions suitable for youth riders. A weekly track league is held on Wednesdays in the winter time.